Editorial Feedback

May 28, 2002

ENFORCE TRAFFIC LAWS. After reading the May 21 letter, "Running red lights," it is reassuring to learn that someone else observes drivers running red lights. It is an epidemic. Not just in Hampton Roads but everywhere. The police do not do very well in enforcing traffic laws, and in this regard they are part of the problem. Until the police and the courts illustrate that they are serious about traffic violators and get busy stopping not just those running red lights but the speeders as well, not much is going to change.

John J. Pappas

Editor's response: Perhaps the police can do a better job of enforcing traffic law, but what would be the tradeoff? Less time enforcing drug laws? Less time trying to solve burglaries? Of course, we could have more police, which would require people to support more taxes. Or, folks who share the concern about this epidemic can call their state lawmakers and tell them to pass a "photo-red" law, which would permit intersections to be monitored by cameras. The cameras would take pictures of cars running red lights. Used responsibly, such a law will be fair and will save lives and money.